Sunscreen Pills: What the FDA Says and What the Fern Extract Research Shows

Capsules sold as “sun support” or “skin defense” promise to help your skin handle the sun from the inside. Many contain an extract from a tropical fern called Polypodium leucotomos. If you’re tired of reapplying sunscreen or sensitive to it, here is what the FDA¹ and the research say.

Myth: a pill can stand in for sunscreen

In 2018, the FDA¹ sent warning letters to companies selling pills and capsules labeled as dietary supplements with unproven claims to protect against sun damage. The FDA said these products gave consumers a false sense of security that a supplement could prevent sunburn, reduce early skin aging from the sun, or protect against skin cancer.¹

Its message was plain: there’s no pill or capsule that can replace your sunscreen.¹

Sunscreens are over-the-counter drugs sold as lotions, creams, sticks and sprays, and they must pass testing before they’re sold.¹ Supplements don’t go through that testing for sun protection.

What the fern extract research shows

Polypodium leucotomos is a tropical fern extract with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.²

• A 2021 literature review found it had been studied for several skin conditions but noted a limited number of human studies.²
• A 2025 systematic review found 21 qualifying studies, including 11 randomized trials. Nine studies looked at sun damage, aging skin or skin cancer. The authors described its potential as an add-on, or adjuvant, therapy.³

That’s interesting early evidence, not proof that a capsule protects you on a sunny afternoon.

What protects your skin

• Sunscreen applied generously and reapplied as the label directs. Our guide to choosing and using sunscreen covers SPF, broad spectrum and how much to use.
• Clothing, hats and sunglasses, plus shade during the strongest sun.
• Regular skin checks, especially for new or changing spots.

If you want to take a supplement

1. Use it on top of sunscreen and clothing, never instead.
2. Be wary of claims about preventing sunburn, aging or skin cancer.
3. Tell your clinician, especially if you take medicines that make you sun-sensitive or have a skin condition that flares in sunlight.

Try: “I burn easily and I’m considering a sun-protection supplement. Is there any reason I shouldn’t take it, and is my sunscreen routine enough?”

Skin, Head to Toe includes a short-shelf planner and a 12-week SkinLog. Use them to keep your sun routine simple and note new or changing spots for your next skin check. See the book.